Netflix inks Logo deal

Rental co. to distribute gay and lesbian shows

Netflix has cut a deal with gay- and lesbian-themed cabler Logo under which it will be the exclusive distrib of three Logo series.

Starting this week, the Internet-based rental service will handle homevid distribution of “Curl Girls,” “Visible Vote ’08: A Presidential Forum” and “Wisecrack.”

The open-ended announcement leaves open the possibility that future titles from the MTV Networks-owned cabler will be distributed the same way.

Netflix has become a safe haven for specialty TV shows and films since it provides its customer base (about 8 million subscribers) with tailored recommendations that include a range of indie and esoteric works.

As part of the deal, Logo will promote the Netflix-enabled shows on air and on Logo-owned websites 365gay.com and NewNowNext.com. There will also be a Logo section on the Netflix website.

Deal also includes language declaring Netflix’s intention to co-acquire and cross-promote more films with Logo, with the pics premiering on the network and distributed through Netflix, as they did with “Puccini for Beginners” and “Small Town Gay Bar.”